A teacher’s most powerful tool is the tongue

The apostle James addresses and denotes the very gravity of being a master — translated in today’s terms, a teacher.

Arthur V. Verrett Jr.Faith+Dominion and Power Ministries

The apostle James addresses and denotes the very gravity of being a master — translated in today’s terms, a teacher. In the New Testament’s Book of James, Chapter 3, the writer gives great insight, clarity and wisdom on the correct usage of the most powerful instrument or tool the teacher possesses: the tongue.The Bible student, or the Christian layperson, should read and examine the scriptures of James 3:1-18 very carefully. I will extract several verses from this chapter to show how influential the master, or teacher, has upon the student, or his hearers. The scripture says, “My brethern, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle his whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth.”The scriptures or indicative of the control or dominion the teacher can have upon its hearers. James is saying that the master’s primary tool for implementing his biblical principles, or message concerning what’s right or wrong, will come forth from the use of his mouth and tongue. He gives some strong and positive examples how such small things can control such large objects. The essence of what the author is trying to convey is to those who are aspiring to become masters, or teachers of the faith of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. One must study to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.In conclusion, the wise man, King Solomon, says in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”What a profound statement to make. That little tongue in your mouth, he says, that every time the teacher engages in instructional time, or we talk or give counsel people on a daily basis, we are either speaking life or death into people’s lives. Always remember, what you say will produce fruit.Jesus says it best in Mark 11:23, “He shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Bishop Arthur V. Verrett Jr. is pastor of Faith+Dominion and Power Ministries, 129 Samuel St., Houma. He can be reached at 868-2328, 856-0867 or verrett_a@bellsouth.net. Columns represent the opinions of the writer, not necessarily this newspaper.

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